If you could choose any Major League pitcher, retired or active, to pitch in game seven of the World Series during the dead-ball era or the steroid era with success, who would you choose?  Without any hesitation I would choose Lynn Nolan Ryan Jr.  He was the most intimidating power pitcher of his era, for more than a quarter of a century.  He pitched 27 years in the majors to be exact.  In fact, his last major league pitch registered at 98mph on the radar gun.  Mr. Ryan was a bulldog of a pitcher, who never fraternized with any opposing players because he wanted to keep his edge.  He amazingly pitched in the major leagues in four different decades.  Nolan Ryan is the only major league ballplayer outside of Jackie Robinson to have his number retired by three different teams (Anaheim Angels, Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers).  It’s hard to believe that the Ryan Express has been away from the game since 1993.  It seems like he would put up legendary stats each time he appeared in a game.  I would like to share with you my top 5 most memorable moments in Nolan Ryan’s career.

(#5) July 15, 1973 – NO HITTER!  California Angels vs Detroit Tigers

Nolan Ryan gets his second “NO-HITTER” of the season at Tiger Stadium.  He struck out 17 Detroit Tigers that day, which at the time was two shy of the Major League record of 19.  That year was golden for The Ryan Express as he won 21 games with a 2.87 ERA, broke the single season strike out record (383) by one, formerly held by Sandy Koufax, and after almost 40 years, that record still stands today.  As puzzling as it sounds, Nolan did not win the Cy Young Award that year (losing to Jim Palmer who had one victory more than Nolan).  In fact, in all of his 27 years playing, he never brought home the trophy.  Nolan ended up with seven no hitters, three more than his closest rival (Sandy Koufax).

(#4) August 22, 1989 – #5000! Texas Rangers vs Oakland A’s 

Who better to be at the plate than The Greatest!  Not Ali, but this individual was the greatest lead-off hitter of all time in Ricky Henderson.  The Ryan Express, at the age of 42, threw a 3-2 pitch fastball down the pipe……and a WHIFF by Mr. Henderson!  Ricky graciously quoted, “If you haven’t been struck out by Nolan Ryan, you’re nobody.”  Although Nolan Ryan is in elite company, he is the only pitcher to top 5,000 strikeouts in a career (5,714total).  He has 938 more strikeouts than second place Randy Johnson, a record that probably will never be beaten.

(#3) July 31, 1990 – 300th Win!  Texas Rangers vs Milwaukee Brewers

  After failing to win number 300 at home in Arlington, Texas, Nolan traveled to Milwaukee where he went out and pitched 7 2/3 innings, giving up six hits, one earned run, and eight strikeouts, to record his 300th career victory.  That was one month after recording no-hitter number six.  Nolan is the fourth oldest player behind Gaylord Perry, Phil Niekro and Early Wynn to have won 300 games.  He finished his career with 324.

(#2) August 4, 1993 – Don’t Mess With Texas! (The Lesson) Texas Rangers vs Chicago White Sox

After five years in Texas, Nolan had recorded his 300th victory, 5000th strikeout, and his sixth and seventh no-hitters as a Texas Ranger.  In the final season of Nolan Ryan’s illustrious career, he showed why you ”Don’t Mess With Texas”!  The 46 year old Ryan hit Robin Ventura’s backside with the ball.  Like most ballplayers, they take exception to getting hit by the ball and he charged the mound.  Nolan is 20 years Robin’s senior.  I am sure when Ventura ran toward the old timer, his plans were to even the score.  This is when keeping it real goes wrong!  Robin learned a valuable lesson that day.  Little did he know, Nolan, who placed the young Ventura in the same head-lock he used on steers, struck Robin in the head six times before Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez pulled Robin away!  After the brawl occured, Robin Ventura was ejected from the game, and somehow Nolan dusted off his cap and remained pitching.  Why was he allowed to remain in the game you might ask?  After the can of whoopin  he gave Robin, who’s going to tell him he can’t pitch?!  By the way, Ryan didn’t give up another hit the rest of the way.

(#1) August 5, 2010 – Nolan Ryan delivers the Texas Rangers

Not many people can stack their credentials next to the legend Nolan Ryan.  He can literally be compared to the stories you hear of Babe Ruth.  5714 strikeouts, 324 victories, and 7 no-hitters are marks that may never be reached.  He won a World Series in 1969 with the New York Mets.  He has had a full career pitching in the Major League.  There is no other ballplayer in the history of the game that has made such a significant impact on the field, and now he is calling shots as an owner.  A little bit past midnight on August 5, 2010, Nolan Ryan and his investment group swooped in and saved the Texas Rangers franchise by purchasing a team that had filed Chapter 7 under owner Tom Hicks.  Since Ryan’s arrival as president and owner of the Texas Rangers organization, the atmosphere of the last place team has changed full circle.  No longer are the Texas Rangers the laughing stock of the American League West.  His presence has made pitchers tougher, and their endurance to pitch deeper in the games has increased the team’s chances at victories.  With shrewd business moves in free agency, building up the farm system that is the best in baseball, the Texas Rangers have enjoyed success in the last two years by winning back-to-back pennants for the first time in Texas history and a trip to two World Series.  Although the franchise has yet to win the World Series, the future of Texas Rangers baseball is positive. 

I am pretty sure at age 64, Lynn Nolan Ryan Jr’s passion for baseball still exists.  If by chance the Texas Rangers need an out with the bases loaded, a 3-2 count and a one run lead,  I bet he would deliver a strikeout to win the game.  Who is going to say he can’t take the mound?  He owns the team now!

LeRoy McConnell III of “A Fan’s Point of View”, for War Room Sports

Anthony Davis (l) & Bradley Beal (r)

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

Well, the NFL Draft has come and gone, so it’s on to the NBA Draft for me.  Here is my initial big board of players as of today and it will be updated plenty before this year’s draft, which takes place on 6/28/12.  As the draft nears, I will release player profiles on maybe the top 20-30 players on my board.  Also, be sure to listen to Sports Trap Radio hosted by Brandon Pemberton and Chris Marshall, Saturdays from 10am-2pm on ueradiolive.com or www.livestream.com/ueradiolive

1. Anthony Davis 6-10 220lbs SF/PF Kentucky Fr.

2. Bradley Beal 6-5 205lbs SG/PG Florida Fr.

3. Micheal Kidd-Gilchrist 6-7 215lbs SF/SG Kentucky Fr.

4. Thomas Robinson 6-9 240lbs PF Kansas Jr. 

5. Perry Jones III 6-11 235lbs PF/SF Baylor So.

6. Andre Drummond 6-11 275lbs C/PF UConn Fr.

7. Harrison Barnes 6-8 215lbs SF UNC So.

8. Jeremy Lamb 6-5 190lbs SG UConn So.

9. Arnett Moultrie 6-11 230lbs PF Miss St. Jr.

10. Jared Sullinger 6-8 275lbs PF/C Ohio St.  So.

11. Damian Lillard 6-2 190lbs PG Weber St.  Jr.

12. Austin Rivers 6-4 200lbs SG/PG Duke Fr.

13. Terrence Jones 6-8 240lbs PF/SF Kentucky So.

14. Dion Waiters 6-4 215lbs SG/PG Syracuse So.

15. Meyers Leonard 7-0 240lbs C Illinois So.

16. Kendall Marshall 6-4 190lbs PG UNC So.

17. Tyler Zeller 7-0 250lbs C UNC Sr.

18. Quincy Miller 6-9 210lbs SF Baylor Fr.

19. Terrence Ross 6-6 195lbs SG/SF Washington So.

20. Moe Harkless 6-8 220lbs SF St. John’s Fr.

21. John Henson 6-10 220lbs PF/SF UNC Jr. 

22. Andrew Nicholson 6-9 230lbs PF St. Bonaventure Sr.

23. Royce White 6-8 245lbs SF/PF Iowa St.  So. 

24. Tony Wroten Jr. 6-5 210lbs PG/SG Washington Fr. 

25. Fab Melo 7-0 25 lbs C Syracuse So.

26. Doron Lamb 6-4 195lbs SG/PG Kentucky So.

27. Festus Ezili 6-11 260lbs C Vanderbilt Sr.

28. William Buford 6-6 210lbs SG/SF Ohio St. Sr.

29. John Jenkins 6-4 200lbs SG Vanderbilt Jr. 

30. Marquis Teague 6-2 190lbs PG Kentucky Fr.

31. Tyshawn Taylor 6-3 190lbs PG Kansas Sr.

32. Jeff Taylor 6-7 225lbs SF Vanderbilt Sr.

33. Will Barton 6-6 170lbs SG Memphis So.

34. Draymond Green 6-6 235lbs SF/PF Mich St.  Sr.

35. Kevin Jones 6-8 240lbs PF West Va. Sr.

36. Darius Miller 6-8 225lbs SF/SG Kentucky Sr.

37. Scott Machado 6-1 185lbs PG Iona Sr.

38. Mike Scott 6-9 240lbs PF Virginia Sr.

39. Herb Pope 6-8 255lbs PF Seton Hall Sr.

40. JaMychal Green 6-9 230lbs PF Alabama Sr.

41. Jae Crowder 6-6 225lbs SF Marquette Sr.

42. Henry Sims 6-10 242lbs Georgetown Sr. 

43. Khris Middleton 6-7 220lbs Texas A&M Jr.

44. Jared Cunningham 6-5 195lbs Oregon St. Jr.

45. Marcus Denmon 6-3 SG/PG Missouri Sr.

46. Quincy Acy 6-7 230lbs PF/SF Baylor Sr.

47. Kim English 6-6 200lbs SG/SF Missouri Sr.

48. Robert Sacre 6-11 260lbs C Gonzaga Sr.

49. Drew Gordon 6-8 235lbs PF New Mexico Sr.

50. Rakim Sanders 6-6 220lbs SF/SG Fairfield Sr.

51. Ricardo Ratliffe 6-8 240lbs PF Missouri Sr.

52. Yancy Gates 6-9 255lbs PF/C Cincinnati Sr.

53. Kris Joseph 6-7 230lbs SF Syracuse Sr.

54. Bradford Burgess 6-6 215lbs SF/SG VCU Sr.

55. Ramone Moore 6-4 190lbs SG Temple Sr.

56. Darius Johson-Odom 6-2 215lbs SG/PG Sr.

57. Zack Rosen 6-2 185lbs PG Pennsylvania Sr.

58. Garrett Stutz 7-0 255lbs Wichita St. Sr.

59. Miles Plumlee 6-11 240lbs C/PF Duke Sr.

60. Maalik Wayns 6-0 205lbs PG Villanova Jr.

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

Boxer Ty Barnett will be in The War Room this Thursday, May 10th to discuss his upcoming May 12th bout in the Lightweight division in his hometown of Washington DC and the launch of his new website www.TyBarnettKO.com!

Tune in Thursday, May 10th at 6pm ET to hear our conversation with Ty!  To tune in, go to www.WarRoomSports.com and click the “Listen Live” button…or dial 323-410-0012 to listen LIVE by phone.

In the meantime, join the War Room Sports Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/WarRoomSports and follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/WarRoomSports (@WarRoomSports)!

If you are in the Washington, DC area and are interested in attending the Keystone Boxing event on Saturday, May 12th, to see Ty and others at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, click HERE for details and tickets.

Finally, if you own an Android phone or tablet…an I-Phone, I-Pad, or I-Pod, please go to your Google Play Store and/or Apple App Store and download the FREE War Room Sports mobile app!  It’s the VERY BEST way to stay up on all of our media content!

Growing up in Kansas City, my father always liked taking our family to the movies during the summer.  He loved to watch a good action movie.  I can remember him arguing with his friends for weeks about different scenes in the original Terminator movie.  In all of these movies, there was a good guy to root for and a villain to go against.

Over the years, there have been several villains in movies.  Superman had Lex Luthor, Batman had the Joker, and Luke Skywalker had Darth Vader.  Anyone who knows me can tell you who is my all-time villain.  That would be Wesley Snipes’ character Nino Brown in the best movie ever, New Jack City. 

I thought about this topic while listening to an ESPN sports radio show discussing something similar this past weekend.  Just like in every action movie, there is a villain that the audience is supposed to go against or strangely root for.

In baseball, you could consider Barry Bonds a villain.  He broke the home run record and is known as one of the best baseball players ever, with an asterisk, since he took performance enhancement drugs “without knowing”.  Side note, if my head size went from a 7 to an 8 after age 24, I would check with a doctor about that.  He was always a complete jerk to the media.

Basketball has their fair share of villains.  Dennis Rodman is the first one that comes to mind.  He was an original Bad Boy for the Detroit Pistons championship teams.  Dennis and his teammates believed it was their duty to beat the crap out of Michael and Scottie any chance they could.   

Football has a couple villains as well.  One of the most recent inductees to the villain fraternity would be Gregg Williams, GODFATHER of the BOUNTY.  He turned a mediocre New Orleans Saints team into a championship defense just by giving the team an incentive (BOUNTY) to do what they were already going to do. 

Villains in the sports world can be players, coaches or even owners.  Let me know who are some people you think are the villains of their sport and what they did to give themselves the VILLAIN title.

Brandon McConnell of “Respect Da Game”, for War Room Sports

“Commish”:

I  never thought I would see the day when the game of football would be watered down enough to allow women to play in the National Football League!  I never thought this day would happen.  You have shown that you are an equal opportunist, and for that sake I will be entering my seven year old daughter in little league football this fall!

I think it’s ridiculous that we are in 2012 suspending and fining four New Orleans Saints players for being part of the so-called bounty program that lead to no career-ending injuries on the football field.  Jonathan Vilma gets suspended for a year for being part of the bounty program?  Wasn’t he taking orders from his coach?  This is professional football, isn’t it?  Football is America’s newest past time.  Players look forward to the fall season to play this wonderful game because of the love, passion, and without a doubt the paycheck that provides them a good living.   

Mr. Goodell, with all these rule changes, you, the commish are destroying this barbaric game I have enjoyed watching every Sunday.  A defender can’t hit a “defenseless” receiver; I wonder how many receptions are completed because of that rule?  Helmet to helmet hits; Football is a contact sport and collisions happen.  No one is thinking about trying to tackle with their heads.  It’s funny, I have seen players hit with their shoulders and still get a penalty for helmet to helmet contact.  The rules are unnecessary and flawed!  I love the pending new rule about trying to omit the kickoff, because it’s dangerous?  I believe in safety but stop trying to put kid gloves on grown men!  Each individual who plays this game knows the risk of injury.  I don’t feel sorry for football players who go out there each weekend and play this violent sport.  I think it’s a bunch of crap that these players have lawsuits pending because of concussions and other injuries they develop during their careers.  There is risk in anything and everything that you do.  I don’t see anybody quitting the game because of an injury.  I see athletes working their butts off to get back in the game.

Mr. Goodell, I don’t see our Government placing yellow jerseys on our military personnel.  Our  soldiers know the minute they sign up, the risk they are putting themselves in.  Why do you think they sign on?  Is it because of the patriotism, honor, integrity?  We know it’s definitely not for the pay!

What about police and firefighters who risk their lives every time someone calls 911?  Citizens have to think police officers are insane for potentially getting shot at for a living, or watching firefighters go into burning buildings while everyone else is running out of them!  Police officers wear protective vests but it doesn’t mean they won’t get injured.  Firefighters wear SCBA masks to avoid smoke, but somehow are still threatened by black lungs.  I don’t see anyone protecting them.  There are more police personnel and firefighters that are in worse shape long term than anybody in your league.  I guess what I am really trying to say is, I don’t care about injuries in your league!  I don’t care about what happens to the players when their careers are over.  It’s risky business out there.  Do you think your league is the only place people get hurt?  Mr. Goodell, I bet if you asked a firefighter or police officer why they chose their profession they would tell you because of their love and passion. 

Mr. Goodell, you run the National Football League, and ever since you have taken over as commissioner, you have become more of a dictator.  Your fans have paid good money, whether they attend the functions in person, go to a bar, or watch your product at home.  There is nothing wrong with the game right now.  The bounties in the NFL resulted in the suspensions toward the Saints organization.  Who’s career ended because of these bounties?  Did you suspend people because of a tactic to get the job done?  NO ONE WAS HURT from it.  I am sitting here as a novice spectator watching the NHL playoffs and all I see are hits after hits.  Makes me wonder if America should be watching hockey over the newest past time.

LeRoy McConnell of “A Fan’s Point of View”, for War Room Sports

Each day at 5 pm I tend to turn on the “four letter network” to get my sports fix, but it seems that I may as well be watching the local news instead.  Lately, the sports show starts off with some sort of breaking news, or the top story of today, and it has nothing to do with sports.  I just want to see scores, highlights, and previews for tonight’s games.  What do I get instead…….. a bunch of bullshit!

There are so many exciting things going on in the world of sports.  In football, we had the much anticipated NFL draft, but as soon as the weekend is up, all the attention will go back to “As The New Orleans Saints Turn”!  The baseball season has begun and baseball fans all over the country are optimistic about their team’s success.  Baseball was running smoothly until the morning of April 27, 2012 when Delmon Young involves himself in a racial hate crime which leads to an arrest.  The regular season in the NBA has come to an end and now the world can finally watch some good playoff basketball.  Leading up to the playoffs, last Sunday in the Staples Center, Metta World Peace’s altar ego was at it again.  After having much success in recent weeks, he was shown celebrating after a made dunk.  Metta, who was pounding his chest, purposely woke up Big Bad Ron and what do you know……. he maliciously elbowed James Harden of the OKC Thunder in the back of the head/neck area, knocking him silly to a standing eight count. 

Breaking News:

Detroit Tigers' Delmon Young

Athletes at every level, have to be accountable for all their actions.  There is no excuse for a player such as Delmon Young to exercise his right to be out in public at 2:40 in the morning.  He was intoxicated, and allegedly shoving a man to the ground and making anti-Semitic remarks.  What is the old saying? “Nothing good happens after midnight”.  We all have heard that saying, and I have to believe it’s a true statement.  I don’t want to hear the apology written by Delmon’s entourage because I know good and well he doesn’t mean it, and the damage is done.  Delmon Young, look in the mirror son!  You are a black man in Major League Baseball, a league who’s African American players make up only 8% of the sport.  Earlier this month the league just celebrated Jackie Robinson Day.  What does that day mean to you, Delmon?  Jackie Robinson was the man!  He was a pioneer who withstood  insults and racism, while still having to compete in a league where no one looked like him, and certainly didn’t want him there in the first place.  He is the reason why you and other minorities have gotten that slim chance of being a professional ballplayer.  You have been on notice since the day you reached the majors and you can ill-afford any negative publicity.  The Detroit Tigers cannot afford the racist remarks you’ve made; heck didn’t you learn anything from the Ozzie Guillen fiasco?  Think son, THINK!

My last rant goes to Mr. World Peace.  Fine time to bring out your evil twin.  As I said earlier, the worse thing you could have done Metta, is beat your chest because Ron Artest couldn’t wait to come out and play!  Ron, you threw a vicious elbow to the back of James Harden’s neck, and you even had the nerve to run down the court and act as if you did nothing wrong.  I guess I have to believe you were the last to realize you actually hurt this man.  As the great Charlie Murphy  would say, “you are a habitual line crosser”!  Ron, you will lose over $350,000 in this latest suspension for swinging your elbow.  You have been suspended over 118 games in your career.  You apologized, but I am sick of them.  I don’t want to hear it, sincere or not.  If it was an accident, you should have gone to him while he was lying on the ground immediately after the incident happened.  You are a buffoon.  The league is kind to you, and I don’t understand why you are not appreciative of being a part of the game.  The LA Lakers have to do damage control as did Indiana back in 2004 with your altercation among players and fans during a game against the Detroit Pistons.  If there is talk of bounties in sports, you are it Ron!  There will be a time when you have played your last game, and don’t be surprised if it’s real soon.  My prediction for you, Ron, is you will be black balled from the league, and you will only have yourself to blame.  Come to think of it, you are better fit throwing your hat in the ring as a professional boxer.  Once again, America is salivating for a new Heavyweight Champ.  You would be perfect for the sport and without a doubt be loved by everybody once you’ve become the champ!  Oh well, just a thought.

Now back to your regularly scheduled sports program.

LeRoy McConnell III of “A Fan’s Point of View”, for War Room Sports

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports

The first three rounds of the 2012 NFL Draft are now in the books and rounds 4-7 are today starting at 12 noon.  I have given you my top 100 prospects going into the draft, then I gave you my top 32 going into rounds 2 and 3, and now I will give you the top remaining prospects left on my original board of 100. 

Listen to Sports Trap Radio this morning from 10am-2pm on ueradiolive.com or www.livestream.com/ueradiolive as Chris Marshall and myself recap the NFL Draft and preview the NBA playoffs.  Feel free to call in at 267-519-1111.

I had Lamar Miller as the 31st ranked prospect in the draft, a possible late 1st to early 2nd round selection, but he's still on the board after three rounds. Check this list out and see who else is available going into rounds 4-7.

31. Lamar Miller RB 5-11 212lbs Miami

38. Bobbie Massie OT 6-6 313lbs Ole Miss

52. Orson Charles TE 6-2 1/2 251lbs Georgia

55. Chris Polk RB 5-10 215lbs Washington

59. Zebrie Sanders OT 6-6 320lbs Florida St.

61. Jared Crick DE 6-4 280lbs Nebraska

62. James Hanna TE 6-4 252lbs Oklahoma

64. Alemda Ta’amu NT/DT 6-2 1/2 348lbs Washington

65. Kirk Cousins QB 6-3 215lbs Michigan St.

67. Ronnell Lewis OLB/DE 6-2 253lbs Oklahoma

71. Nigel Bradham OLB 6-2 245lbs Florida St.

73. Brandon Boykin CB 5-9 182lbs Georgia

76. Ladarius Green TE 6-6 240lbs La. Lafayette

77. Jonathan Massaquoi DE/OLB 6-2 264lbs Troy

82. Josh Norman CB 6-0 197lbs Costal Carolina

84. Vontaze Burfict 6-1 248lbs Arizona St.

86. B.J. Cunningham WR 6-1 211lbs Michigan St.

88. Ron Brooks CB 5-10 190lbs LSU

92. James Brown OG 6-3 1/2 Troy

93. Marvin McNutt WR 6-3 215lbs

94. Vic Ballard RB 5-11 219lbs Miss St.

95. Andrew Datko OT 6-6 315lbs Florida St.

96. Antonio Allen S 6-1 201lbs South Carolina

97. Tauren Poole RB 5-10 205lbs Tennessee

99. Markelle Martin S 6-0 207lbs Okla St.

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & ”Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

Round 1 of the 2012 NFL Draft was last night and there were some surprises.  Here are the top 32 rated players left on my board going into the second and third rounds:

Janoris Jenkins is arguably the best cover corner in this draft. While in the SEC, he shut down the likes of Julio Jones, A.J. Green, and Reuben Randle in 2010. His off the field issues has him still on the board going into round two.

12. Cordy Glenn OG/OT 6-6 345lbs Georgia

13. Janoris Jenkins CB 5-10 193lbs North Alabama

20. Jonathan Martin OT 6-5 312lbs Stanford

23. Coby Fleener TE 6-6 247lbs Stanford

25. Courtney Upshaw DE?OLB 6-2 271lbs Alabama

26. Andre Branch DE/OLB 6-4 260lbs Clemson

27. Jerel Worthy DT 6-2 310lbs Michigan St. 

28. Devon Still DT 6-5 303lbs Penn St.

29. Lavonte David OLB 6-1 233lbs Nebraska

31. Lamar Miller RB 5-11 212lbs Miami

33. Reuben Randle WR 6-3 210lbs LSU

34. Kendall Reyes DT 6-4 300lbs UConn

38. Bobbie Massie OT 6-6 313lbs Ole Miss

40. Derek Wolfe DT 6-5 295lbs Cincinnati

42. Nick Foles QB 6-5 243lbs Arizona

43. Brandon Thompson DT 6-2 311lbs Clemson

45. Dwayne Allen TE 6-3 255lbs Clemson

46. Mike Adams OT 6-7 323lbs Ohio St.

47. Peter Konz C 6-5 314lbs Wisconsin

49. Alshon Jeffrey 6-3 217lbs South Carolina

51. Vinny Curry DE/OLB 6-3 266lbs Marshall

52. Orson Charles TE 6-2 1/2 251lbs Georgia 

53. Casey Hayward CB 5-11 192lbs Vanderbilt

54. Trumaine Robinson CB 6-2 204lbs Montana

55. Chris Polk RB 5-10 215lbs Washington

56. Brandon Taylor S 5-11 202lbs LSU

57. LaMicheal James 5-8 194lbs Oregon

58. Brock Osweiler QB 6-7 242lbs Arizona St.

59. Zebrie Sanders OT 6-6 320lbs Florida St.

60. Josh Robinson CB 5-10 200lbs UCF

61. Jared Crick DE 6-4 280lbs Nebraska

62. James Hanna TE 6-4 252lbs Oklahoma

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

Follow me @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

The NFL Draft is tonight and after my scouting and evaluation, here is my final list of the top 100 prospects in this draft.  Also listen to our special NFL Draft version of sports talk radio tonight, as I will join my War Room Sports family from 7pm-9pm on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thewarroom/2012/04/26/2012-nfl-draft-special-ep-90 , to preview and breakdown the draft live.  Also listen to Sports Trap Radio on Saturday from 10am-2pm on ueradiolive.com or www.livestream.com/ueradiolive as we will go over the first three rounds of the draft and preview the final day of the draft.

1. Matt Kalil OT 6-6 306lbs USC

2. Trent Richardson RB 5-9 228lbs Alabama

3. Morris Claiborne CB 5-11 188lbs LSU

4. Robert Griffin III QB 6-2 1/2 223lbs Baylor

5. Andrew Luck QB 6-4 234lbs Stanford

6.Fletcher Cox DT/DE 6-4 298lbs Miss St.

7. Mark Barron S 6-1 213lbs Alabama

8.Quinton Coples DE 6-6 284lbs UNC

9. Micheal Brockers DT 6-5 322lbs LSU

10. Riley Rieff OT 6-6 313lbs Iowa

11. Justin Blackmon WR 6-1 207lbs Okla St.

12. Cordy Glenn OG/OT 6-6 345lbs Georgia

13. Janoris Jenkins CB 5-10 193lbs North Alabama

14. David DeCastro OG 6-5 313lbs Stanford

15. Micheal Floyd WR 6-2 223 lbs Notre Dame

16. Luke Kuechely ILB 6-2 242lbs Boston College

17.Stephon Gilmore CB 6-0 190lbs South Carolina

18. Dont’a Hightower ILB 6-2 265lbs Alabama

19. Nick Perry DE 6-3 270lbs USC 

20. Jonathan Martin OT 6-5 312lbs Stanford

21. Kendall Wright WR 5-10 196lbs Baylor

22. Melvin Ingram DE/OLB 6-1 272 South Carolina

23. Coby Fleener TE 6-6 247lbs Stanford

24. Dre Kirkpatrick CB 6-1 5/8 Alabama

25. Courtney Upshaw DE/OLB 6-1 5/8 271lbs Alabama

26. Andre Branch DE/OLB 6-4 260lbs Clemson

27. Jerel Worthy DT 6-2 310lbs Michigan St. 

28. Devon Still DT 6-5 303lbs Penn St.

29. Lavonte David OLB 6-1 233lbs Nebraska

30. Harrison Smith S 6-2 213lbs Notre Dame

31. Lamar Miller RB 5-11 212lbs Miami

32. Whitney Mercilus DE/OLB 6-4 260lbs Illinois

33. Reuben Randle WR 6-3 210lbs LSU

34. Kendall Reyes DT 6-4 300lbs UConn

35. Shea McClellin OLB/DE 6-3 260lbs Boise St.

36. Chandler Jones DE/OLB 6-6 266lbs Syracuse

37. David Wilson RB 5-10 206lbs Va. Tech

38. Bobbie Massie OT 6-6 313lbs Ole Miss

39. Doug Martin RB 5-9 223lbs Boise St.

40. Derek Wolfe DT 6-5 298lbs Cincinnati

41. Kevin Zeitler OG 6-4 314lbs Wisconsin

42. Nick Foles QB 6-5 243lbs Arizona

43.  Brandon Thompson DT 6-2 311lbs Clemson

44. Brandon Weeden QB 6-3 223lbs Okla St.

45. Dwayne Allen TE 6-3 255lbs Clemson

46. Mike Adams OT 6-7 323lbs Ohio St.

47. Peter Konz C  6-5 314lbs Wisconsin

48. Ryan Tannehill QB  6-4 221lbs Texas A&M

49. Alshon Jeffrey WR 6-3 217lbs South Carolina

50. Dontari Poe NT/DT 6-4 345lbs Memphis

51. Vinny Curry DE/OLB 6-3 266lbs Marshall

52. Orson Charles TE 6-2 1/2 251lbs Georgia

53. Casey Hayward CB 5-11 192lbs Vanderbilt

54. Trumaine Robinson CB 6-2 204lbs Montana

55. Chris Polk RB RB 5-10 215lbs Washington

56. Brandon Taylor S 5-11 202lbs LSU

57. LaMicheal James RB 5-8 194lbs Oregon

58. Brock Osweiler QB 6-7 242lbs Arizona St. 

59. Zebrie Sanders OT 6-6 320lbs Florida St.

60. Josh Robinson CB 5-10 200lbs UCF 

61. Jared Crick DE 6-4 280lbs Nebraska

62. James Hanna TE 6-4 252lbs Oklahoma

63. Mychal Kendricks ILB 5-11 240lbs Cal

64. Alameda Ta’amu NT/DT 6-2 1/2 348lbs Washington

65. Kirk Cousins QB 6-3 215lbs Michigan St. 

66. Micheal Engew TE 6-5 2522lbs Missouri 

67. Ronnell Lewis OLB/DE 6-2 253lbs Oklahoma

68. Brandon Brooks OG/OT 6-5 353lbs Miami(OH)

69. Ryan Broyles WR 5-10 192lbs Oklahoma

70. Jeff Allen OG 6-4 303lbs Illinois

71. Nigel Bradham OLB 6-2 245lbs Florida St.

72. Mike Martin DT 6-1 308lbs Michigan

73. Brandon Boykin CB 5-9 182lbs Georgia

74. Amini Silatolu OG 6-4 311lbs Midwestern St.

75. A.J. Jenkins WR 6-0 191lbs Illinois

76. Ladarius Green TE 6-6 240lbs La. Lafayette

77. Jonathan Massaquoi DE/OLB 6-2 264lbs Troy

78. Mohamed Sanu WR 6-1 1/2  215lbs Rutgers

80. Mitchell Schwartz OT 6-6 318lbs Cal

81. Zach Brown OLB 6-1 244lbs UNC

82. Josh Norman CB 6-0 197lbs Costal Carolina

83. Bruce Irvin OLB 6-3 245lbs West Virginia

84. Vontaze Burfict ILB 6-1 248lbs Arizona St.

85. Kelechi Osemele OG 6-5 1/2 333 Iowa St.

86. B.J. Cunningham WR 6-1 211lbs Michigan St.

87. Sean Spence OLB 5-11 230lbs Miami

88. Ron Brooks CB 5-10 190lbs LSU

89. Bernard Pierce RB 6-0 218lbs Temple

90. Donald Stevenson OT 6-5 1/2 311 lbs Oklahoma

91. Demario Davis OLB Arkansas St. 6-2 235lbs

92. James Brown OG 6-3 1/2 Troy

93. Marvin McNutt WR 6-3 215lbs Iowa

94. Vic Ballard RB 5-11 219lbs Miss St.

95. Andrew Datko OT 6-6 315lbs Florida St.

96. Antonio Allen S 6-1 201lbs South Carolina

97. Tauren Poole RB 5-10 205lbs Tennessee

98. Isiah Pead RB 5-10 197lbs Cincinnati

99. Markelle Martin S 6-0 207lbs Okla St.

100. Tony Bergstrom OG 6-5 313lbs Utah

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

Follow me on Twitter @BrandonOnSports and @SportsTrapRadio

This year’s group of corners is a talented group of players.   I predict about 4-6 of them to be off of the board in the first two rounds.  Here is the list of my top 5 and an additional 5 to look out for in later rounds.

1. Morris Claiborne 5-11 188lbs LSU

Strengths: Has great technique, smooth hips, great footwork, and ball skills.  Isn’t the athlete that his former teammate Patrick Peterson is, but he has better natural corner skills.  He is able to be left on an island by himself and he can handle top flight WR’s on his own.  Also has Kick and Punt Return Skills as well. 

Weaknesses: Is kind of thin, but seems to have a frame that he can add good weight to.  Is willing to tackle in the run game, but I would like to see better form with his tackling. I’ve seen him duck his head down often to tackle players.

Grade: Top 3-5 pick

2. Janoris Jenkins 5-10 193lbs North Alabama

Strengths: Is a shade behind Claiborne when it comes to natural cornerback skills and ability.  He’s that good.  Was a three year starter and one of the best corners in the SEC before being kicked off the team.  Is equally effective in press man coverage or off of the line.  Has great anticipation skills, similar to that of Asante Samuel.  Has experience running kickoffs and punts, returned 3 for TD’s this past season.

Weaknesses: His off the field troubles are what’s keeping him from being drafted in the top 15 of this draft.  It’s the only thing that’s scares teams and has him going in the 2nd or third round.

Grade: Mid First round

3. Stephon Gilmore 6-0 190lbs South Carolina 

Strengths: Is a good press coverage corner, uses his long arms to his advantage at the line of scrimmage and displays good hips and footwork.  Has great speed and catch up speed.  Is a willing tackler in the run game.  Has been a starter from day one as a true freshman.

Weaknesses: Isn’t as good when playing off when he’s in press or right at the line of scrimmage.  Can get sloppy with his technique at times and get beat with double moves.

Grade: Mid First Round

4. Dre Kirkpatrick 6-2 185lbs Alabama

Strengths: Very physical corner, is at his best when playing zone coverage.  Instincts and play recognition has gotten better from sophomore to junior seasons.  Is a good tackler, not afraid to put a hat on a ball carrier and deliver a blow.  He will be a perfect fit on a team with a zone based scheme.  He really reminds me of Charles Tillman from the Chicago Bears.

Weaknesses: Isn’t much of a man corner.  Doesn’t display the natural man cover ability, hips, and footwork.  Doesn’t have great hands or ball skills, drops potential interceptions or knocks balls down instead of going for the pick.

Grade: Late First round

5. Casey Hayward 5-11 192lbs Vanderbilt 

Strengths: Does a great job reading the quarterback and playing the ball in zone coverage.  He’s at his best in the zone, would be a fit for a team that runs a lot of cover 2 and 3.  Isn’t a knockout artist, but he’s a willing tackler.  Gets his hands on a lot of passes.

Weaknesses: Isn’t great in man coverage, has problems keeping up with elite speed downfield.  Doesn’t have great change of direction skills and gets beat often. 

Grade: Mid 2nd round pick

Next 5: Trumaine Robinson 6-2 204lbs Montana, Josh Robinson 5-10 199lbs UCF, Josh Norman 6-0 197lbs Costal Carolina, Brandon Boykin 5-9 182lbs Georgia, Ron Brooks 5-10 190lbs LSU

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports